Adoptive parents may be married or single, childless
or already parenting other children. Having a disability
does not automatically disqualify you from adopting
a child; rather, agencies will want to ensure that you
can care for a child and meet his or her needs throughout
his or her childhood. Divorce or a history of marital
or personal counseling does not automatically eliminate
you as a candidate. You are not required to own your
own home or to have a high income in order to give children
what they need-permanence, stability, a lifetime commitment,
and a chance to be part of a family.
Children do not need "perfect" parents-they
need one or more caring and committed individuals willing
to meet their needs and to incorporate them into a nurturing
family environment. For many infant adoptions in the
United States, however, agency criteria for applicants
are restrictive in areas such as age, years married,
and stability of employment income. Some agencies accept
applicants who are older than 40. Some agencies require
that the couple have no other children and be unable
to bear children. Some agencies require that one parent
not work outside the home for at least six months after
the adoption. Agencies placing infants
will discuss their specific eligibility regulations
and placement options with you.
